Published: Wednesday, 3rd September, 2008 12:30
Full time coach will point way to future
By John Simpson
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New Alloa coach Lisa Houston.
ALLOA Amateur Swimming Club has announced one of the biggest events in the club’s history.
In an exciting venture jointly funded by the club, Clackmannanshire Council, Sport Central and Stirling University, the club’s first ever full time Head Coach – Lisa Houston – has been appointed.
This is initially a two year appointment and new head coach Lisa (23), will also undertake a masters degree in Sports Science at Stirling University.
This will enable her to expand her knowledge of sport in general, while coaching at the same time.
The new coach has been given a clear remit to develop the club, at each level, at a time when every competitive swimmer in Scotland is gearing up for the London 2012 Olympics, and beyond.
Lisa joins the club from Blairgowrie Swimming Club and has a fantastic pedigree in the sport. She will only enhance the committed and dedicated coaching team already in place.
Alloa swimming club president Craig Rankine said, “The club are delighted with this new appointment. This clearly shows our commitment to the long term development of athletics and swimming in general in the Clackmannanshire area.
“We had applicants from as far afield as South Africa, Ireland and Latvia, along with an enquiry from France, which shows the reputation our club has developed on the national stage.
‘We are confident that we have appointed a quality head coach and we wish Lisa every success in the future.
“I’m really excited about what’s ahead of us over the next two years and look forward to Alloa, and Clackmannanshire, being represented on the national stage by our swimmers, in all competitions."
Touching on the club’s vision of sustained growth, Craig continued, “Alloa Swimming Club will always strive to produce swimmers who will compete at the highest level as we are a competitive club.
"However, we also have a wider responsibility to try to provide a facility for as many local kids as pool space will allow for them to engage in a sport that not only provides fun, fitness, nutritional education and friendship in a safe environment, but also provides a life skill – i.e. the ability to swim competently.
“Therefore, as part of a number of initiatives, we are working in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council and the local Swimming Development Officer (Angela McDowall), to ensure that the council0run Learn To Swim programme can provide one of the platforms for entry into our club.
“We currently have around 110 members but see our club growing to 150 by the end of the swimming season.
“This is a significant number of children who are involved in active sport, on a regular basis, at a time when the reputation of youths is all too easily tarnished. These kids are fantastic ambassadors for the club and should be congratulated for their efforts in and out of the pool.
“Our plans also include encouraging some of our senior swimmers, who would have in the past disappeared from the club once their competitive days were over, to participate in coaching courses in order that they may become our coaches of the future and help us manage our projected increase in numbers at Alloa.
“To this end we have to thank Sauchie Community Group for their support. They recently donated funding to allow a number of coaches to obtain national qualifications which will allow them to coach local swimmers in the years to come. This was a fantastic gesture on behalf of the group."
Alloa Swimming Club will shortly be holding trials. Anyone interested in joining the success story should make contact initially through Craig Rankine on 07854 154936 or with a committee member on Monday evenings between 7pm and 8pm, upstairs in Alloa Leisure Bowl.
Further information on Alloa Swimming Club can also be found on the club website at www.alloa-asc.co.uk
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Alloa pick up first away point